NC MedAssist CARES expands access to prescription drugs for North Carolinians

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- North Carolina's only statewide nonprofit pharmacy program for the low-income and uninsured, NC MedAssist is actively seeking new patients, thanks to funding from the North Carolina CARES Act, which provides assistance to state, local and Tribal governments navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. The money can help up to 7,500 new patients across the state receive their prescription medication for an entire year, at no cost to the patient.

"The pandemic has caused more than half a million North Carolina residents to lose their jobs and consequently their health insurance, leaving thousands of individuals and families without access to lifesaving medication," said NC MedAssist CEO Lori Giang. "NC MedAssist can help bridge the gap."

Cost is the primary barrier to maintaining medication compliance. NC MedAssist's goal is to remove this barrier for all eligible patients by enrolling them in the Free Pharmacy Program and mailing their prescriptions directly to patient homes or one of their clinical partners conveniently located across the state. NC MedAssist's Free Pharmacy Program works with pharmaceutical companies to centralize the procurement of prescription medication for its patients.

"I have been a diabetic for about 15 years. I have high blood pressure and CAD," said Cameron, a Rutherford County NC MedAssist patient. "Without MedAssist, I wouldn't be here today. I wouldn't be able to afford the medication to sustain my life. I thank you for all you have done and bless you."

In 2020, NC MedAssist distributed more than 232,516 90-day prescriptions to over 20,000 patients for a total value of over $71 million in free lifesaving prescription medications across North Carolina. The free nonprofit pharmacy has remained open throughout the pandemic.

About NC MedAssist

NC MedAssist is a statewide nonprofit pharmacy founded in 1997. The organization provides free prescription medication to low-income, uninsured North Carolinians. NC MedAssist offers three programs that address the needs of children and adults: The Free Pharmacy Program, the Mobile Free Pharmacy Program, and the Gerhart Community Medicine Shoppe which includes the Transitional Jobs Program. NC MedAssist dispenses $76 million worth of free prescription and over-the-counter medication to more than 51,000 low-income North Carolinians each year. Learn more about NC MedAssist at www.medassist.org.

Media Contact: 
Jacob Teetzmann 
Tombras 
423.494.3673 
[email protected]

SOURCE NC MedAssist

Related Links

https://www.medassist.org